DE60127208T2 - Optical communication device and its control method - Google Patents

Description

The The present invention relates to an optical communication device, in an optical network of e.g. a high-density light wavelength multiplexing system is used, and in particular relates to a compact multifunctional optical Communication device.

In In recent years, there has been a communication transmission system under Using an optical fiber is switched to a system, like the internet, spreading quickly. Furthermore, a frequent WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) transmission system, which has a used optical multiplex conversion, used to further the density of a transmission capacity to increase. A communication module with optical control for synthesizing / dividing, Switching and steaming an optical signal of different wavelength, etc. is for the application of the WDM system essential.

For example, there are variable wavelength filters used in the Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 257068/1993 . 281480/1993 and 198936/1995 are disclosed as a conventional communication module with optical control.

In With respect to a filter main body, used in these variable wavelength light filters, a filter has a light transmission distribution and a continuous wavelength is switched by the filter main body with respect to a light beam is moved. Therefore, the productivity of the filter main body is low and expensive. Further, if the wavelength when switching the through wavelength is very different, a sliding distance of the filter is longer, so that the response gets bad. Furthermore, it is not easy, the filter main body compact to make, since the filter main body have a certain size got to.

Further Each communication module with optical control has a single one Function. If it is therefore for the optical communication device is necessary, several functions have to show several communication modules are used with optical control. This means, the optical communication device becomes large.

The European patent application EP 0 991 152 A2 , published April 5, 2000, describes an optical filter for use in an optical amplifier. In one form of the optical filter, three optical filters are arranged in series in the path of a light beam, the filters being arranged to reflect the light beam into the following filter. The filters each consist of an attenuation part and a non-attenuation part and are separately controllable so that one or more of the filters can be shifted so that their attenuation parts are more or less in the path of the incident light beam.

In US 6,094,293 , issued July 25, 2000, describes an optical switching device in which a number of optical switches are arranged in a possibly interrupting position of an incident light beam. The switches may assume one of two states: a first state in which they reflect the light by means of a mirror attached to each switch, and a second state in which they allow the light to pass unhindered and unmodified by the mirror is moved out of the way of the light beam. Selective control of the states of the switches allows the incident light beam to follow a series of different paths by selective reflection from the mirrors of the various switches.

A Object of the present invention is to provide a compact, multifunctional optical communication device with good responsiveness, and a control method for this optical communication device.

to solution of the above problem includes an optical communication device in the present invention, an optical system for propagation a ray of light through a room; a plurality of optical elements, in an interrupting position of the light beam in the room are movable and arranged in a series direction with the light beam are; a drive means for separately driving this optical Elements; and a drive control means for controlling an operation this drive means, characterized in that at least two types of optical elements are arranged as optical elements are, and the optical elements on alternate sides of a path are arranged, which is crossed by the light beam. Therefore, the optical communication device can be made compact because the optical elements in series and alternately with the light beam are arranged.

Here For example, the optical communication device may include a switch, a divider, a compiler, an attenuator, an isolator, an aperture, a terminator, a demultiplexer, a multiplexer or an add-drop module.

Likewise, the optical communication device may include the term "optical / optical / optical", "wavelengths" and "polarization" (for example, wavelength switches, wavelengths divider, wavelength compiler, optical attenuator, optical isolator, optical aperture, optical terminator, optical demultiplexer, optical multiplexer, optical add-drop module, etc.).

Further For example, the optical communication device may combine the above Single-function devices included.

Further For example, the optical element may include an optical filter, that consists of a dielectric multilayer film, a lens, a prism, a reflection plate, etc. is constructed.

There two types or more of optical elements are provided the optical communication device can be set multifunctional, while the compactness is maintained.

If Further, two kinds or more of optical elements having different ones Wavelength transmission characteristics can contain light with a predetermined desired wavelength by switching the optical elements in an interruption position of the light beam are transmitted. If further two kinds or more of optical elements with different Include wavelength absorption properties can be light with a predetermined desired wavelength through Switching the optical elements in an interruption position of the light beam are absorbed. That is, the Function of an optical filter may be provided so that a wavelength selection in the optical communication device by use such constructions is taken.

If two kinds or more of optical elements with different Lichtmengendurchlassenigenschaften are included, can be a continuous Amount of light by switching the optical elements in one Disconnected position of the light beam are set become. This means, The optical communication device may have a function for adjustment having the amount of light passing through.

If Furthermore, an optical element with properties for change of the optical path, such as a prism, a mirror, etc., in common with other optical elements (e.g., any of the above optical Elements) can be an optical path in a predetermined desired direction changed be changed by changing an angle of the optical element, the above the characteristics of change of the optical path. This means, The optical communication device may also have a function of change of the optical path.

Further the optical communication device can be a security function have in addition an optical element or a plurality of optical elements with the same optical properties such as at least one of the types of optical parts is arranged.

If Multiple drive means used, the distance between The optical elements are widened so that front and rear optical Elements and the drive means do not disturb each other. If however, front and rear drive means with respect to the light beam zigzag between the same optical parts are arranged, the distance between the optical parts be reduced. That is, the optical communication device can be made even more compact become.

In In this case, the productivity improved in terms of assembly time when moving optical Elements, obtained by driving means in the optical Elements are installed and arranged so that the drive means positioned between the same optical elements with respect to the light beam are.

To the An example may be a piezoelectric actuator as drive means be used. In this case, the drive means becomes compact and has a high moment when a piezoelectric body for Providing a stretching vibration and a movable body provided are caused by the stretching vibration caused by this piezoelectric body is generated, frictionally is driven. Therefore, the communication device can still be made more compact. More specifically, piezoelectric actuators a rotating type and a direct-acting type used.

If the drive means is the piezoelectric actuator, the following construction can be used.

At first you can the control means being constructed so that an advance signal enters this Control means is input before the drive. Because in this case the piezoelectric actuator is warmed up by the advance signal and has a good response, can the response the optical communication device can be improved.

If the control means further comprises a self-exciting oscillating circuit has, the piezoelectric actuator can be driven more efficiently.

Further, when a support member for movably supporting the optical elements is provided and the control means in this support member ordered, the space is effectively used and the optical communication device can be made more compact.

If further in the above-mentioned optical communication device a controller executed in such a way is that the multiple optical elements driven simultaneously can be a time necessary for switching the optical elements is shortened become. This means, the ability to speak the optical communication device can be improved.

It will now be embodiments the present invention only by way of another example and with reference to the drawings, of which:

1 Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the construction of an optical communication device in a first embodiment of the present invention;

2A a schematic sectional view of the optical communication device of 1 is and 2 B a schematic plan view of this optical communication device is;

3 a view for explaining the function of an optical filter as an optical element of 1 is;

4 is a block diagram illustrating the construction of a movable optical element of 1 shows;

5 FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a drive circuit of FIG 1 shows;

6 Fig. 11 is a view showing a main part of an optical communication device in a second embodiment of the present invention;

7 is a view showing the construction of an optical communication device, wherein 7A a schematic sectional view of this construction is, and 7B a schematic plan view of this construction is;

8th Fig. 12 is a view showing the construction of an optical communication device in a third embodiment of the present invention; in which 8A a schematic sectional view of this construction is, and 8B a schematic plan view of this construction is;

9 is a view showing the construction of an optical communication device, wherein 9A is a front view showing a main part of this construction, and 9B is a plan view of this construction.

embodiment 1

The schematic construction of an optical communication device in the present invention is first using block diagrams described.

As in 1 and 2A and 2 B is an optical communication device 1 schematically from an input section 10 for inputting optical signals, a plurality of movable optical elements 20 for controlling the optical signal received from the input section 10 is input, a drive control means 30 for controlling an operation of each optical element 20 , and an output section 40 designed to output the optical signal. That is, in the optical communication device 1 becomes the optical signal coming from the input section 10 is input through the movable optical element 20 controlled and then from the output section 40 output.

As in 2 B are shown, are the movable optical elements 20 in series and alternately with respect to a light beam 100 between the input section 10 and the output section 40 arranged.

As in 2 B is shown, the input section has 10 an optical fiber 10a and a lens 10b , The output section 40 also has an optical fiber 40a and a lens 40b , Thus, a parallel light beam 100 between the input section 10 and the output section 40 to be obtained. Means to the light beam 100 to do in parallel are not limited to the above. For example, a method may also be used to make a light beam in parallel that is an optical fiber 40a . 40b which have a particular machined side surface which is somehow aspherical to output a parallel optical light signal.

The movable optical element 20 is through an optical element 21 and a piezoelectric actuator 22 constructs and controls the optical signal by the optical element 21 with the help of the piezoelectric actuator 22 is moved to an interruption position of the optical signal or the optical element 21 is removed from the interruption position. As in 2A is shown, is the movable optical element 20 on a side surface of a support element 20a (in 2 B not shown) attached.

As in 2 B shown is the pages surface of the support element 20A on a mounting side of the movable optical element 20 clearly determined by which side the movable optical element is 20 in relation to the light beam 100 located. This side surface of the support element 20a lies the light beam 100 across from. Thus, it is possible to have a required distance for arranging the movable optical element 20 to reduce.

An optical filter for transmitting light of a specific wavelength (see 3A ), an optical filter for absorbing light of a specific wavelength (see 3B ), an optical filter for adjusting a light transmission amount (see 3C ), etc., are considered the optical element 21 viewed, and the optical element 21 is constructed by a dielectric multilayer film.

For example, the piezoelectric actuator is 22 a piezoelectric actuator of a rotating type. As in 2 and 4 is shown, is the piezoelectric actuator 22 schematically from a piezoelectric element 22b constructed on a disc which is attached to a mounting base 22a is attached, a vibrating body 22c that is integral with the piezoelectric element 22b is arranged, a movable body 22d that is attached to the vibrating body 22c is mounted, and a pressing means 22e for securing the contact pressure between the vibrating body 22c and the moving body 22d , A bending vibration occurring on an upper surface of the piezoelectric element 22b is caused by the vibrating body 22c reinforced and as a driving force of an extension, not shown, on the vibrating body 22c to the moving body 22d output. The moving body 22d holds the optical element firmly at one end.

The moving body 22d the piezoelectric actuator 22 is an integral object in rod form and is used with a part of the moving body 22d turned around its center as a rotary shaft. The movable body in the present invention may also be constructed by plural elements, depending on the purposes.

Two extensions 20b are on a side surface of the support element 20a arranged so that these extensions 20b the other end of the moving body 22d on a turning circle at this other end limit. That is, a rotation amount of the movable body 22d is through the two extensions 22b limited. One of the two extensions 20b is arranged so that the optical element 21 at one end of the moving body 22d is arranged, at a sub-refraction position of the light beam 100 near a side end of the support element 20a is arranged. The other of the extensions 20b is arranged so that the moving body 22d and the optical element 21 in evasive positions as locations at which the light beam 100 is not disturbed, are arranged. The primary movement of the moving body 22d can be reduced by this structure.

That is, all the moving optical elements 20 have the same construction except the optical element 21 so that the productivity is increased. Further, all drive rotation direction in the case of interruption of the light beam in the same direction, so that a control system, the drive control means 30 used, is simplified.

As in 1 is shown, is the drive control means 30 for example, from a drive circuit 31 and a control means 32 constructed.

The drive circuit 31 is a well-known, self-exciting oscillating circuit exemplified in FIG 5 is cited, and amplifies a periodic voltage fluctuation between both surfaces caused by a piezoelectric vibration of the piezoelectric element 22b is caused, and uses this periodic voltage fluctuation as the driving signal of the piezoelectric element 22b itself. For example, the drive circuit 31 constructed of an IC and on a side surface of the support member 20a attached, preferably the side surface of the support element 20a on the attachment side of the movable optical element 20 , with compactness as an objective.

The operation of an inverting amplifier 31a and an amplifier 31b within the drive circuit 31 is by the control means 32 controlled. Thus, an operation of the piezoelectric actuator becomes 22 by the control means 32 controlled.

The control means 32 turns and moves each optical element 21 by controlling the operation of the piezoelectric actuator 22 , In this case, a new optical element 21 in the interruption position of the light beam 100 arranged to shorten a switching time, and the optical element 21 in the interruption position of the light beam 100 is arranged, is simultaneously returned to the avoidance position.

The control means 32 gives an advance signal to the piezoelectric actuator 22 one, before the optical element 21 predominantly by a drive of the piezoelectric actuator 22 is rotated and moved. Since the advance signal in the piezoelectric actuator 22 is input, the piezoelectric actuator reaches 22 a warm-up state and the response at an input time point of a drive signal for the main drive is improved.

The advance signal consists of a drive signal in a direction opposite to that in the main drive, and a drive signal that is so small that no moving body 22d is moved. In the first case, the moving body becomes 22d by the driving force against the extension 20b pressed and no moving body 22d is moved.

According to the optical communication device 1 With the above construction, the optical element 21 in the interruption position of the light beam 100 by appropriately controlling the operation of each movable optical element 20 be chosen appropriately. Therefore, an optical filter function of the optical communication device becomes 1 switched.

That is, the optical communication device 1 becomes an optical communication device capable of the wavelength of the output light of the output section 40 to switch with good responsiveness, by optical filters of several types having different wavelength transmission characteristics as an optical element 21 be used.

The optical communication device 1 also becomes an optical communication device capable of detecting the wavelength of the light emitted from the output light of the output section 40 has been removed to switch with good responsiveness, by optical filters of several types having different wavelength absorption properties as an optical element 21 be used.

The optical communication device 1 also becomes an optical communication device capable of detecting the strength of the output light from the output section 40 with good responsiveness to change, by optical filters of several types with different light absorption rates as an optical element 21 be used.

Further, the optical communication device becomes 1 an optical communication device having a fuse function by arranging a plurality of the same optical filters.

There it is not necessary to use a variable type of filter becomes productivity improves and costs are reduced.

Further, a control state of the light beam 100 be maintained without the piezoelectric actuator 22 to actuate by an electrical current through the piezoelectric actuator 22 is allowed to flow. Therefore, the power consumption of the optical communication device 1 be reduced.

embodiment 2

An optical communication device 1 In a second embodiment of the present invention has a schematic construction similar to that of the optical communication device 1 in the first embodiment. In the construction of the optical communication device in this second embodiment, however, is an encoder 23 arranged without the extension 20b in the movable optical element 20 to arrange, and the control means 32 has a function, an operation of the piezoelectric actuator 22 based on the detection results from the encoder 23 to control.

The encoder 34 is through a slot 23a constructed together with the moving body 22d and a well-known rotation amount detector 23b an optical type is rotated to a rotation amount of the slot 23a capture. Detection results of the rotation amount detector 23b become the control means 32 transfer.

According to this embodiment, similar effects as in the first embodiment are obtained, and operation of the movable body 22d can be controlled so that this moving body 22d is set at any angle. Furthermore, damage is unlikely due to the contact of the extension 20b with the moving body 22d caused.

additional Arrangement 1

An optical communication device 2 , which does not form part of the present invention, has a schematic structure similar to that of the optical communication device 1 , As in 7A and 7B however, a reflecting plate or a prism for diffracting a light beam is formed 100 as at least one optical element 21 used (last two parts in 7B ), and an output section 40 in relation to the light beam 10 passing through the optical element 21 is bent is added.

According to the optical communication device 2 becomes a position of the optical element 21 for bending the light beam 100 in an interruption position of the light beam 100 set and disconnected from this interruption position, so that the output section 40 for emitting the light beam 100 is switched. That is, the optical communication device 2 is a device of a composite type, which also has the function of an optical switching device, while the compactness is maintained.

embodiment 3

An optical communication device 3 In a third embodiment of the present invention has a schematic construction similar to that of the optical communication device 1 , As in 8A and 8B is shown, however, a diaphragm for interrupting the light beam 100 as at least one optical element 21 used (last part in 8B ).

According to the optical communication device 3 can the light beam 10 emitted and interrupted by the position of the optical element 21 as an aperture in the interruption position of the light beam 100 is adjusted and the position of the optical element 21 is disconnected from the interruption position. That is, the optical communication device 3 is a device of a composite type, which also has the function of an optical switching device, while the compactness is maintained.

additional Arrangement 2

An optical communication device 4 , which also does not form part of the present invention, has schematically the same construction as the optical communication devices 1 to 3 , However, as in 9A is shown, instead of the movable optical element 20 a movable optical element 50 used. Further, a drive circuit 31 directly on a substrate 4a the optical communication device 4 arranged.

As in 9B is shown in the movable optical element 50 an optical element 21 linear through a piezoelectric actuator 51 a direct-acting type moves in one direction, the light beam 100 cuts.

The piezoelectric actuator 51 has a rectangular parallelepiped piezoelectric element and a vibrating body, and amplifies a bending vibration caused on an upper surface of the above-mentioned piezoelectric element by the above-mentioned vibrating body, and outputs the bending vibration as a driving force from an extension 51a on the vibrating body.

Here is the optical element 21 by two stop elements 4b bounded by the substrate 4a stand out, and can between these stop elements 4b to be moved.

A stop element 4b is positioned so that this stop element 4b on the optical element 21 abuts when the optical element 21 to the interruption position of the light beam 100 is moved. The other stop element 4b is positioned so that this stop element 4b on the optical element 21 abuts when the optical element 21 from the interruption position of the light beam 100 is removed.

An advance signal issued by the control means 32 is provided, a small drive signal in the optical communication devices 1 to 3 , and a signal for driving the optical element 21 in a stop direction on the stop element 4b ,

The optical element 21 is pressed by means of a pressing means, not shown, against the above-mentioned vibrating body.

That is, the optical communication device 4 achieves similar effects as the optical communication devices 1 to 3 by the optical element 21 which is arranged so that it is the light beam 100 interrupts, by driving the piezoelectric actuator 51 is switched.

The present invention is not limited to each of the above-mentioned embodiments. In particular, there is no limitation in an optical element serving as an optical element 21 is applicable, and in its combinations, etc. A compact communication device of a composite type (or single function) having a predetermined desired function is obtained by appropriately selecting the optical element and its combination and so on.

It is not necessary any moving optical element 21 in series with the light beam 100 but it is sufficient, any movable optical element 20 to be arranged in the series direction in an area which does not deviate from the features of the present invention.

Further Also, a construction for determining a movement amount of each moving body, i.e., positional information of the optical element, from among a set of energy consumption and a driving direction of each piezoelectric Actuator to be used.

The optical communication device 1 in the second embodiment, the extension 20b exhibit. In this case, the moving body becomes 22d through the extension 20b positioned, and the position of the movable body 22d is from the encoder 23 recognized.

Further Each concrete construction element, etc. can be suitably changed.

As previously mentioned, can according to the present Invention designed the optical communication device compact Be by the optical elements in series and alternately with be arranged the light beam. Furthermore, a compact optical Communication device of a composite type and an optical Communication device with a backup function received be by adding a combination of corresponding optical elements changed appropriately becomes.

Claims (15)

An optical communication device, comprising: an optical system for propagating a light beam ( 100 ) through a room; a plurality of optical elements ( 21 ) movable in an interrupting position of the light beam in the space and arranged in a serial direction with the light beam; a drive means ( 22 . 31 ) for separately driving these optical elements; and a drive control means ( 32 ) for controlling an operation of this drive means, characterized in that: at least two kinds of optical elements are arranged as optical elements, and the optical elements are arranged on alternate sides of a path traversed by the light beam. Optical communication device according to claim 1, wherein two kinds or more of optical elements with different Wavelength transmission characteristics are included as optical elements. Optical communication device according to claim 1, wherein two kinds or more of optical elements with different Wavelength absorption properties are included as optical elements. Optical communication device according to claim 1, wherein two kinds or more of optical elements with different Contain Lichtmengendurchlasseigenschaften as optical elements are. Optical communication device according to claim 1, wherein a diaphragm as at least one of the optical elements is included. Optical communication device according to claim 1, wherein movable optical elements by installing the drive means are provided in the optical elements, arranged zigzag are, so that the drive means between the same optical elements is positioned by the light beam. Optical communication device according to claim 1, wherein the drive means is a piezoelectric actuator. An optical communication device according to claim 7, wherein the piezoelectric actuator comprises a piezoelectric body ( 22c ) for generating a stretching vibration, and a movable body ( 22d ) which is frictionally driven by the stretching vibration generated in this piezoelectric body. Optical communication device according to claim 7, wherein the piezoelectric actuator of a rotating type is. Optical communication device according to claim 7, wherein the piezoelectric actuator of a direct-acting Art is. Optical communication device according to claim 7, wherein the drive control means an advance signal to the drive means before entering the drive. Optical communication device according to claim 7, wherein the drive circuit is a self-oscillating oscillating Circuit has. Optical communication device according to claim 1, wherein a support element ( 20a ) is provided for movably supporting the optical elements, and at least a portion of the drive control means is arranged in this support element. A method of controlling an optical communication device, comprising the steps of: providing an optical system for propagating a light beam ( 100 ) through a room; Providing a plurality of optical elements ( 21 ), the optical elements being movable to an interruption position of the light beam in the space and arranged sequentially in the propagation direction of the light beam; Providing a drive means ( 22 . 31 for driving the optical elements separately, and driving, by means of the drive control means, one of the optical elements so as to move this optical element to its interruption position, characterized by the steps of providing at least two different types of optical elements as the plurality of optical elements optical elements, wherein the optical elements arranged on alternate sides of the light beam are. The method of claim 14, wherein more than one optical Part is driven at the same time.